March 11, 2011 – Vajra Vidya Institute, Sarnath

“How to become a good person through the wish to benefit others.”

During this session, after brief introductory remarks, the Gyalwang Karmapa first answered questions posed by members of the audience. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche assisted by translating the questions into Tibetan for Tibetan-speakers in the audience. Read more

March 10, 2011 – Vajra Vidya Institute, Sarnath

There were people from forty-two nations gathered in the main shrine room at Vajra Vidya Institute to hear the second day of the Gyalwang Karmapa’s Spring Teachings, and a further 1400 were logged on to watch the webcast.

“How to become a good person through the wish to benefit others.”

Creating a meaningful life

To begin His Holiness greeted everyone warmly before resuming his discourse on how one becomes a good person. He began by emphasising that human beings are inherently wholesome, innately noble and virtuous, yet because of certain causes and conditions, this innate goodness becomes hidden and is no longer expressed. We have to recognise our true nature and reclaim it. As the Buddha taught, our inherent nature is pristine, like the sun veiled by the Read the rest of this article

January 7, 2011 – Dharamsala

His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje inaugurated the 5th All India Tibetan College Students’ Meet that began Thursday at Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHST). More than 90 Tibetan student representatives from 25 different colleges and educational institutes in India are taking part in this 4 day conference.

January 5, 2011 – Bodhgaya

Special Morning Prayers

For all those who had remained in Bodhgaya following the successful conclusion of the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo on December 22nd, Gyalwang Karmapa turned New Year’s Day 2011 into one to be remembered.

On December 31st His Holiness announced that the following morning there would be a special puja to celebrate the official Indian and Western New Year.

At 8:30am on January 1st 2011 more than a thousand people crowded in to the main shrine room at Tergar Monastery to join His Holiness in morning prayers, including prayers for auspiciousness, Refuge Prayers, The auspiciousness of the twelve deeds, King of aspirations and Milarepa’s aspiration, in the coming year. The congregation included Mingyur Rinpoche and his brother, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, 250 junior monks from Mingyur Rinpoche’s monastery, Read the rest of this article

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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